Sizewell C: Opponents unite in fight against N-plant proposals

CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals to build a third nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast have united in opposition.

Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) comprises of individuals and groups who have serious concerns about EDF Energy’s plans. Members believe that if the nuclear power station is built it will have a detrimental affect on the community and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

They also cite fears concerning the environment, the urbanisation of the countryside, transport, health, tourism and the problems of radioactive waste disposal.

Joan Girling, on behalf of TASC, said: “We want to demonstrate this development can be prevented. It is not a done deal.

“If it gets the go ahead it will result in what can only be described as environmental vandalism. It will affect people’s way of life and blight our communities, resulting in a negative effect with unacceptable traffic, noise and light pollution.”

TASC is organising a number of public meetings, the first of which is to be held in Yoxford Village Hall on Saturday, February 23 at 10.30am until 12.30pm.

People can express their views and it is also hoped there will be talks from environmental consultant Pete Wilkinson, who is a member of the Sizewell Stakeholder Group and sat on the Government’s Committee on Radioactive Waste Management, Professor Andy Blowers, chairman of Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group and Peter Rowberry, who will show slides of some of the Sizewell B construction.

Charles Barnett, chairman of the Shutdown Sizewell Campaign, said they were delighted to support TASC. “It is a broad church,” he said. “It is an inclusive organisation grown from the shared belief that Sizewell C would devastate an area of natural beauty and create risks both in relation to a vulnerable coastline and the on site storage of toxic waste.” The first round of consultation into EDF’s plans for Sizewell C ended last week, with more than 4,000 people having their say.

A spokeswoman said: “EDF Energy has said from the outset that we are committed to a thorough and transparent consultation process. There have been almost 100 events held in churches, community centres, offices, village and town halls across the county. The public have had the chance to meet with the team and ask questions about the issues that matter most to them. Each issue raised will now be considered and recorded. The feedback will be analysed and used to help EDF Energy develop detailed proposals which will be subject to a further stage of consultation.”